Eakes is the Jimmy and Chris Pursell Professor of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture at Auburn.

According to the PLANET announcement, the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award recognizes professors who have made significant contributions to landscape industry education.

In his nomination, students and peers noted many admirable qualities, including his humility, selflessness, dedication, patience, passion, diligence, confidence, and creativity, according to PLANET.

"This is the most meaningful award that I have received in my 27 years of teaching because it was student driven and the award selection was made by a group of successful industry professionals," Eakes said in the announcement. "I'm very blessed to have the opportunity to work with these young people."

Eakes has served as faculty adviser to the Auburn student chapter of PLANET and the chapter's Student Career Days team since 1991.

"Dr. Eakes plays an important role in the lives of his students," horticulture department head Jeff Sibley said in an Auburn announcement of the award. "Pushing them to their capacity, he expects their best and reciprocates with support that extends beyond the classroom into the careers of horticulture graduates.

"He is an outstanding faculty member, consistently receiving among the very highest student evaluation ratings in the entire College of Agriculture."